Fields of Fire (38 page)

If Taylor had known that she was too nervous to eat, he would have scolded her. Yet, not eating surely wouldn’t have caused the jitters she now experienced in her stomach.

Quinn had carried in a steaming hot tub of lavender-scented water. When he appeared to want to chat for an interminable length of time, she politely mentioned that she was anxious for her bath, since Taylor had a surprise for her. He understood immediately and left.

She cleansed her hair and luxuriated in the bath only to hurry through her wardrobe, choosing a cream-colored day gown with dull silver and white ribbon trim. A quick check in the looking glass confirmed that the gown did indeed accentuate her eyes, but her hair needed work. A few minutes passed before she tied and retwisted her hair in a knot behind her head to where she was satisfied. Then she left to see Taylor.

As she neared the bottom of the staircase, he heard her coming and greeted her. “You look lovely,” he said. In no way did he attempt to hide the desire that flamed in his eyes.

“Thank you.” His simple words of admiration sent heat creeping across her chest to her cheeks. She swallowed. “I understand there is a surprise waiting for me.”

“Indeed there is, madam. Follow me.”

“Outside?” she asked when he opened the front entry-way door for her.

“Aye, but this is not where it will stay.”

It didn’t take her long to understand what he meant. Beyond the circular drive of Knights’ Head stood a dark, apricot brown foal nursing with its mother, who was tied to a pine tree.

“Taylor, I don’t know what to say. She’s precious and it is so sweet of you, but I ...”

“You what, Jalene? You’re uncertain of this little creature?” Taylor wrapped Jalene in his arms. “Sweetness, I bought you this horse so as she grew, so would our understanding and trust for each other. I love to ride, and when I’m on Aristotle, I want you at my side.”

He wanted her at his side. She repeated his words to herself. Did that mean as his mistress? What did it matter? She loved him.

She walked over to the foal and rubbed her nose. “She’s a pretty little one, isn’t she?”

He nodded, and said, “See how she’s nuzzling against you. She likes you already.”

“Do you think so?”

“Aye, I do.”

“Then how can I refuse such a thoughtful gift. Thank you, Captain.”

“This is only your first surprise. I’ll take her and her mother back to the stables. Go inside and get the picnic hamper from Biddy and meet me at the stables.”

“Where are we going?”

“Must you always question me, woman? Just do it,” he ordered and patted her bottom while gently shoving her in the direction back towards the front entryway.

“Aye, Captain,” she answered playfully and did as requested.

Moments later, with picnic hamper in hand, she met Taylor by the stables in time to hear his conversation with Tyrone.

“You are not coming along, Tyrone. You’re to be a good boy and stay here. Do you understand?”

“What did he answer?” she asked and smiled.

“He said he didn’t blame me for wanting to be alone with such a lovely lady.” He took the hamper from her and set it underneath the seat of a waiting phaeton.

“I think you’re up to mischief, Captain Traynor.”

“That I am, sweetness, but only the best kind.” He reached for her hand and gave her fingers a quick kiss before he helped her into the seat and climbed aboard himself.

“Where are we going?” she repeated as they left the immediate grounds of Knights’ Head.

“You’ll see soon enough.”

With that, they both fell silent, content with each other and with the world around them. She raised her face to the heavens and let the early afternoon sun shine directly upon her. She’d intentionally left her hat behind. Today, she wanted nothing that would make her feel confined. The sun was gloriously warm, and she wondered if such a beautiful day was a good omen after the darkness in the cave and the nearly disastrous days before. She thought about Donnegan’s operation and asked, “What happened to the distillery? Did you destroy it?”

“Aye. You slept through the most spectacular display I’ve ever seen against the night sky, but Biddy and Quinn saw it.”

“What? How can that be?”

He chuckled. “Ironically, Donnegan’s distillery was located on a remote section of Traynor property—property that none of us thought about much.”

“You mean he was making and distributing illicit whiskey from your very own land?” she asked in disbelief.

“Astonishing, but true. The area he occupied was so far from the main house and unneeded to keep Knights’ Head running smoothly, so we’d simply let it alone.”

“I guess you’ll be doing more frequent inspections all around Knights’ Head from now on.”

“Aye, that I will, but that is not the reason for the outing today. I knew you were taken by the beauty of the flax in bloom, so I thought we’d have a picnic amongst the flowers on a section of Traynor property that I’m sure is currently used.”

“Oh, Taylor, I’d love that.” No sooner had she said the words than the flax fields appeared before them. “This is such a lovely sight. Thank you.”

He stopped the phaeton and jumped down to tie the horse to a nearby tree. “We’re in luck. The flax rarely blooms this late in the day.” He grabbed the picnic hamper with one hand and assisted her with the other. Together they walked a short distance to another tree at the edge of the fields. He set the hamper down, turned and gathered her into his arms and kissed her long and passionately.

She swayed against him, kissing him in return with equal intensity.

When he finally lifted his lips from hers, he whispered against them, “I love you, Jalene. I meant what I said in the cave.”

“And I, you, Taylor. I love you.” He kissed her again and held her tightly to him. After a few seconds, he broke their embrace to pull a blanket from the hamper. He sat on it and motioned for her to do the same.

When she was comfortably seated next to him, he wrapped his arms around her and they sat staring out at the sea of blue flowers.

“’Tis hypnotic, I know, but I hope what I have to say will have an even more pleasant effect on you.” He worked the silver Knights’ head ring off his little finger, reached for her left hand and placed it on the fourth finger. “This is only until I can get you a proper ring. Jalene, will you be my wife?”

She studied his handsome face, her heart bursting with happiness. Hadn’t she hoped to meet the man of her dreams one day, get married and have children? Taylor was this man, and she answered him first with a deep kiss, then briefly broke away despite his reluctance to let her go. “Aye, my love,” she said in a husky whisper, “I would be honored to be your wife, but for now, love me, Taylor.”

Instantly, she was back in his arms. He kissed her as he never kissed her before. Hurriedly, they helped each other shed their garments until they lay entwined, shamelessly naked.

He kissed one breast and next the other before he made a trail of kisses down to her navel and placed his tongue there. She sighed in ecstasy, and he moved his lips lower to her triangular patch of curls and kissed her there. Dear Lord, she loved this man. He fondled her in her most intimate place until she writhed in ecstasy. In a throaty voice she whispered, “I want you. Take me now.”

Slowly, he kissed his way up her body until his lips found her mouth once again, and his body was positioned partly over hers. She reached for his manhood and gently stroked him. He moaned in pleasure and moved to enter her and to cover her completely. She moved her hips against him as his thrusts into her started slowly at first and soon became more rapid.

He waited until she reached her climax, then shuddered in delight as he did the same. She marveled at the happiness and completeness she experienced. Never before had she felt this way. She caressed his face when he sighed in pleasure. Content, they rolled over to their sides to snuggle, each in the other’s embrace.

After some minutes, he spoke. “As much as your body has satisfied one form of hunger—for now anyway—” he winked at her, “I still have to deal with this grumbling protest from my stomach. I’m famished.” He raised himself from her, and pulled her up as well. He planted a kiss above her breasts and handed her undergarments and gown to her. After he’d slipped on his breeches and shirt, he began rummaging through the picnic hamper.

“Here.” He handed her a slice of soda bread and chomped into a slice of his own, before he pulled out a container of potted beef, pickled cauliflower and oranges that had been roasted with sugar and wine.

She set out some utensils and napkins, and began filling their plates. While they were devouring their food, he paused a minute and said, “I almost forgot. I owe you an apology.”

“You do? Whatever for?”

“I said if we found Donnegan in the north, then you would be right with regard to the direction he traveled, and I would apologize.” Having briefly stated this, he shoved a piece of beef in his mouth.

“Ah, that is true. How could I have forgotten?” She placed her forefinger on her cheek as if in thought. “You don’t sound so apologetic.”

He raised an inquiring eyebrow at her. “What more do you want?”

“I think you should be punished for doubting me.”

“And what would be the proper forfeit, my lady?” He wiped his hands on his napkin and waited for her response.

“I think a kiss here,” she pointed to her cheek. He complied. She pointed to her forehead. “And here.” He placed his warm sweet lips on her forehead. “And here,” she pointed to her mouth. He kissed her long and hard before he released her and said, “Does my lady feel I’ve been justly punished?”

“Hm. I think you should tell me that you’ll love me forever and ...”

His lips silenced her immediately, answering her without words, and once again two hearts became one.

Copyright © 1994 by Carol Caldwell

Originally published by Pinnacle(ISBN 0786000880)

Electronically published in 2011 by Belgrave House/Regency Reads

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No portion of this book may be reprinted in whole or in part, by printing, faxing, E-mail, copying electronically or by any other means without permission of the publisher. For more information, contact Belgrave House, 190 Belgrave Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117-4228

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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.